When baby arrives, life turns upside down. Sometimes, a little advice can save your sanity so seek help from the experts. These brilliant books are all available in audio version (download from Audible on Amazon) so you can multi-task while listening, whether it’s midday nappy change or midnight feed…
The Gentle Sleep Book by Sarah Ockwell-Smith
If you can manage to listen to this without dozing off it’s worth it, because the book is packed with sensible, straightforward advice for getting baby into a sleep routine with minimum tears (from both baby and you).
The Diary of a Hapless Father by Pete Sortwell
Bewildering, frustrating and sometimes downright terrifying, the first three months after birth are a rollercoaster for you and your partner. This hilarious book is told from dad’s perspective and will cheer you both up in those moments when it seems like you’ve been kidnapped by a tiny Bond villain (albeit a very, very cute one).
Parenting By Heart by Pinky McKay
The marvellously-named Pinky believes that the best approach to motherhood is trusting your instincts and listening to your baby’s needs. This is a funny, no-holds-barred book that relies heavily on other mothers’ experiences of everything from breastfeeding to rebuilding their own self-esteem. There’s no rigid rules and the emphasis is on enjoying this time rather than worrying about every tiny decision.
The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley
Hmm, what’s best, the Ferber technique of leaving baby to cry at night or the time-worn solution of getting up to tend to baby all through the night? This author says she has a third way – a gentle method that puts baby first - and her book’s been a huge hit in the States. Try her step-by-step tips if you’re ready for a new approach.
Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman
When American journalist Pamela Druckerman had her baby in Paris, she started noticing how well-behaved French tots were, sleeping through the night at two or three months old and eating their five-a-day without complaint. What’s the secret? It’s all about laidback parents who know when to discipline and when to shrug and let it go. This fascinating book explores French lessons we can all learn.
The Sh!t No One Tells You by Dawn Dais
We couldn’t love this book more. It’s fun, sharp, witty and full of ‘why didn’t anyone tell me that before I had a baby?’ stories (why DO onesies have impossible buttons and why does every single room in the house manage to smell of baby sick?). Dawn blows open this conspiracy of silence and reveals what it’s really like to be a new mum. You’ll laugh. And cry. But mainly laugh.
The Baby Book by William Sears, Martha Sears, Robert W. Sears, James Sears
In America, Dr William Sears is THE baby expert and his original Baby Book is considered a bible of parenting. Now, this updated version, written along with members of his family – all doctors or nurses – covers everything you could possibly want authoritative advice on: birth, bonding, feeding, illnesses, babyproofing, fussy babies, toilet-training, tantrums, first aid… the lot.
The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep by Carl-Johan Forssén Ehrlin
The book was a runaway hit, and now this soothing audio version is here to help you ease into better sleep for baby. Your choice of male or female narrator takes a meditative approach to storytelling that’s guaranteed results.
Welcome to Your Child’s Brain by Sam Wang, Sandra Aamodt
How many times have you gazed into those baby blues and wondered what’s going on in that rapidly developing brain? This book by two neuroscientists has a few answers, and it’s absolutely fascinating. How can we bring up smart, well-adjusted and happy children? Topics covered include language learning, toys and play, gender differences, even how to set them up for school.
Baby Knows Best by Deborah Carlisle Solomon
This book is based around the idea that babies should develop at their own pace, without coaxing from helicopter parents. If you’re stressing about baby’s development – shouldn’t he be teething/crawling/talking by now? – and feeling overwhelmed by ‘helpful’ advice thrown at you by relatives and other mums, then this practical book will help you relax.
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